You may recognise the backdrop and some of the extras in UK soul legend Omar Lye-Took’s latest video. Doobie Doobie Doo, which was released last month by Freestyle Records as it was filmed in Age UK Croydon on Brigstock Road and has already had thousands of views.

The old folk are the undoubted stars of the video happily singing along and dancing to Omar’s soulful tunes while playing cards and dominoes!

If you haven’t heard Omar’s music you may recognise his distinguishable style from the streets of Thornton Heath, which has been his home for many decades, or perhaps from his appearances on Javon Prince’s comedy series on BBC 2.

Omar released his first song ‘There’s Nothing Like This’ in 1989 and it went on to become a hit after being re-released two years later.

Since first breaking through to worldwide renown he has gone on to work with all manner of musical legends spanning 30 years including: Stevie Wonder, Soul II Soul’s Caron Wheeler and legendary Motown producer Lamont Dozier.

Omar was born to become a musician as his father was a drummer who played with legendary artists in the 60s including reggae singers Bob Marley and Horace Andy.

His youngest sister Samia is a singer, and his two brothers are also in the industry. His younger brother Scratch Professer, an award winning producer, mixer and DJ, produced Love in Beats –  Omar’s eighth studio album which features Doobie Doobie Doo.

The 12-track album spans soul, funk, Caribbean rhythms, jazz and spoken word and features US soul legend Leon Ware, Blue Note pianist Robert Glasper, and soulstress Natasha Watts.

Mainly recorded at his own Backyard Studio in South London, Omar expands on the inspiration for Love in Beats and his long running musical brotherhood: “This album is labour of love between myself and my brother Scratch Professer. Powerful songs over mesmerising beats is the evolution – that is Omar Music and Brothers Sound, it is truly ‘Love in Beats’.”

Omar who is a former principal percussionist of the Kent Youth Orchestra and later graduate of the Guildhall School Of Music in London, is currently touring Australia and New Zealand.

To see the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaKw0QaY5WE&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop